Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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114 of 118 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
This has to be the funniest movie that no one ever heard of!, July 23, 2003
Noises Off is a treasure of a movie buried in the comedy section of the video store. And after viewing it as a chance discovery, I would rank it as one of the funniest movies Ive ever seen bar none! There is no message, no lingering camera work and precious little plot actually, but the sight gags and interaction of the characters make this movie an absolute laugh riot. The premise of this film deals with the rehearsals and pre-Broadway tour of a play that aspires to be a classic British sex farce. Michael Caine plays the beleaguered director, with Julie Hagerty as his stage manager, trying to corral a collection of stage and movie actors on both sides of the career loop. Carol Burnett, John Ritter, Christopher Reeve, Denholm Elliott, Marilu Henner and Nicolette Sheridan make up the onstage ensemble, with the able support of Mark Linn-Baker. Throughout early rehearsals and performances the cast conspires with and against each other in matters of romance, revenge and profession expression all to hilarious effect. It all culminates in a fateful performance that we view/hear primarily from backstage as conflicts of love and stage presence boil over in mid-show. It just might be the funniest thing ever filmed that didnt involve the genius of Mel Brooks.
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45 of 49 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
"No, I'm not in Spain, I'm in agony. That's where I am!", May 7, 2004
In 1992, Peter Bogdanovich directed a hilarious comedy called "Noises Off...", which was based upon a play that was written by Michael Frayn. (Peter Bogdanovich also directed "What's Up Doc" in 1972, "Paper Moon" in 1973 and "Mask" in 1985.) Starring a wonderful cast, "Noises Off..." is about a troop of actors preparing to perform a play on a national circuit that is under the direction of Lloyd Fellowes (Michael Caine) and features an actress named Dotty Otley (Carol Burnett). She includes a long-time friend, Selsdon Molbray (Denholm Elliott, 1922-1992), as part of her cast; but must contend with his alcoholism. Also included in her acting troop are Gary Lejeune (John Ritter, 1948-2003), Brooke Ashton (Nicolette Sheridan), Frederick 'Freddy' Dallas (Christopher Reeve), Belinda Blair (Marilu Henner), stage manager Poppy Taylor (Julie Hagerty) and prop manager Tim Allgood (Mark Linn-Baker), who must also be a stand-in actor if any of the other actors cannot perform. The play that they intend to perform takes place in a rural English country estate and opens with Dotty portraying a cantankerous housekeeper named Mrs. Clackett, who has a taste for sardines. Gary and Brooke enter next and portray an attorney named Roger Tramplemain and his assistant Vicki. They have come on behalf of the law firm representing the estate's owners, Philip & Flavia Brent, who are portrayed by Freddy and Belinda and who are supposed to be out of town. Thrown into this mix is Selsdon's character: a petty thief. Over the course of the play's performances, various interactions between the actors, managers and Lloyd begin to have a negative impact upon the play's execution with hilarious results.Carol Burnett, John Ritter, Christopher Reeve and Michael Caine all performed their roles superbly in "Noises Off...". The plot and character development are highly engaging and unpredictable. Memorable scenes include the dress rehearsal, the back-stage happenings, Seldon's bottles, the sardines, the cactus, Lloyd's relationships and the on-stage mishaps. Overall, I rate "Noises Off..." with 5 out of 5 stars for being a delightfully funny and engaging story. It's a film that everyone can watch and enjoy and a fine way to remember John Ritter's acting skills.
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16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
laughing at someone else's misfortunes, February 10, 2003
By A Customer
Although actors, directors, and crew members who have put on a show have an easier time relating to this movie, pretty much anybody who's ever had a good idea go wrong will get a kick out of Noises Off. You get acquainted with the actors' on- and off-stage characters, and the storyline of the play they're doing, just so you can see how badly they mess it up and how chaotic things can get on the road and backstage. Most of the comedy is slapstick and verbal...it's one of thoes movies that you almost always find something new every time you watch it. There's definitely a little bit of sexual humor...enough that it's not a family-type movie, so just a little warning. It's for sure a good group movie, almost funnier when watched in mixed company. This is definitely one of those little-known gem type of movies, especially with all the big name actors. It's not surprising to find Carol Burnett and Michael Caine in it, but what a different side of Christopher Reeve! I would highly recommend adding this movie to your comedy collection.
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